Alicia Morales Deeny Named Principal of the Year

The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents recognized the Richard Montgomery High School principal.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration of a sunlit school corridor, representing professional academic leadership in a bright, clean style. — The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents named Alicia Morales Deeny the 2026 Principal of the Year for her leadership in Maryland schools. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents has named Alicia Morales Deeny the 2026 Principal of the Year. Deeny currently leads Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, Maryland.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights the leadership contributions of school administrators in supporting diverse student populations. Her career in Montgomery County spans 25 years, marked by efforts to improve school culture and family engagement.

Richard Montgomery High School maintains a 95% graduation rate and currently ranks as the No. 7 public high school in Maryland. The institution supports a student population exceeding 2,300.

The players

Alicia Morales Deeny

She is the principal of Richard Montgomery High School and a veteran educator with 25 years of service in Montgomery County Public Schools.

Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents

This organization represents educational leaders and provides professional development, advocacy, and networking opportunities for administrators across the nation.

The details

Deeny was appointed principal of Richard Montgomery High School in 2021 after serving as an assistant principal at Montgomery Blair High School. She previously spent eight years as principal of Takoma Park Middle School, where she implemented restorative practices to reduce student suspensions.

1892: Richard Montgomery High School was founded.
2018: Deeny was named Maryland Hispanic Gala Educator of the Year.
2021: Deeny was appointed principal of Richard Montgomery High School.
2025: Deeny was named Hispanic Educator of the Year.
October 16, 2026: Deeny was named National Principal of the Year.

Culture Shift

This award aligns with a broader industry emphasis on recognizing leaders who integrate restorative justice and family engagement into the core of public secondary education. It reflects a shift toward evaluating school success through both academic achievement and the development of inclusive school climates.

The recognition of a local principal may increase focus on the specific restorative and engagement initiatives currently practiced at Richard Montgomery High School. Parents and students may see a continued emphasis on these administrative strategies throughout the school year.

The takeaway

Effective school leadership often hinges on the ability to bridge academic performance with inclusive disciplinary policies. Administrators looking to replicate this success can implement restorative practices and initiatives designed to increase family involvement.